COS is well-known for being the best at delivering high-end clothes on a high street budget - and now it's official. The Swedish brand - part of the same group as other behemoths such as H&M, Arket and Weekday - has entered the top 10 of the Lyst Index, the global search platform's quarterly list of the hottest brands in the world of fashion.
In the last quarter of 2024, COS came in at 17 above Ralph Lauren, Chloé and Toteme, thanks to the retailer's dominance when it comes to viral products like its Suede Bowling Bag. In Q1 of 2025, however, COS has surged 11 places to now rank at number 6, which marks the first time a 'mass fashion' brand has entered the top 10. Its Barrel-Leg Trousers occupy the same spot, number 6, on the hottest products list (Celine's Marco jeans, catapulted to cult status by Kendrick Lamar, are number 1). The exact pair looks to be sold out, FYI, but luckily the retailer has a whole category dedicated to barrel-leg trousers, with a particularly tantalising drawstring pair in denim that is available in all sizes.
As fans will already know, COS is a one-stop-shop for quality basics as well as more directional pieces that look more expensive - much more - than their price tags. Its dress selection is ideal if you've never considered yourself a dress person, with elegantly minimal options that really take the fuss out of summer dressing (I particularly rate the relaxed tank silhouette of the Knitted Cotton Midi Dress.) Its knitwear selection is unparalleled for sleek merino twin-sets and affordable cashmere, while its outerwear is similarly timeless in cut.
My favourite ahead of summer is a toss up between the Collared Suede Jacket, which you could shrug over a black tee and pair with a miniskirt, and the Oversized Cotton Bomber, perfect for adding sporty edge to swishing midi skirts.
What are you waiting for?
Shop: The Best 12 Pieces To Buy From COS
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Butter yellow looks set to be the colour of summer as well as spring. COS's take is this airy cotton midi dress that will instantly become a cornerstone of your holiday wardrobe.
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A looser version of barrel-leg jeans, these relaxed trousers are the only way to wear denim in the warmer summer months.
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This elegant but easy-to-wear knitted tank dress will form the backbone of your summery wardrobe.
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This cotton version of a classic bomber jacket will add some easy-breezy factor to black work trousers.
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Neither mini nor midi but somewhere in between, COS's bubble-hemmed skirt could be styled with a white tee, a bandeau top or a starched white shirt.
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This multitasking swimsuit can be worn with or without straps.
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This is the definition of a work-to-beach bag.
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This is the perfect version of the suede jacket that's all over the high street this season.
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These angular sunglasses look a lot more expensive than their £75 price tag.
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COS has put a twist on the classic ballet pump for spring with this chunky pair of Mary Janes.
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I own a denim skirt with a similarly flaring silhouette to this number from COS. Trust me, it's the gift that keeps on giving when you need a midi that won't fall flat.
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Suede is the fabric du jour so why not spruce your sneakerdrobe with these trainers?
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Almost sold out in khaki but still available in all sizes in black, these barrel-leg cargo pants give impressive volume while still flattering the leg.
Natalie Hammond is senior fashion news editor at Grazia. She previously worked at The Times - and has written for publications including The Telegraph, The Financial Times and gal-dem. She loves a ludicrously capacious bag (sorry, Tom!) and has never met a pair of clogs she wouldn’t wear. Find her on Instagram.